2013 UK Public and Bank Holidays

There are different bank and public holidays in different parts of the UK.
There are currently six permanent bank holidays in England and Wales.
Christmas Day and Good Friday are public holidays.
Bank holidays are holidays when banks and many other businesses are closed for the day.
Public holidays are holidays which have been observed through custom and practice.

Bank Holidays in UK

New Year's Day is a public holiday in the United Kingdom on January 1 each year. It marks the start of the New Year in the Gregorian calendar.Theme parties, salsa dance and live performances are the some of the rocking events of New Year in UK.Most importent part of New Year celebrations in UK is the biggest New Year parade. The parade starts at noon walking down the streets via Whitehall, Pall Mall and finishing in Berkley square. Musicians, dancers, acrobats, march, drums and other entertainers do a splendid job to make the event most distinguished one. Everyone present at the Berkley is openly invited to join the carnival and enjoy the festive occasion.

Good Friday

On Good Friday, Christians remember the day when Jesus was crucified on a cross.Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday (Easter Day),which is the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the March equinox.People who regularly attend church, will probably attend a special church service on Good Friday.It is traditional for people to eat hot cross buns on this day. These are current buns which are marked with a white cross (representing the cross on which Jesus died).

Early May

The first Monday in May is celebrated as the start of the summer season. It is when people celebrate the coming of summer with lots of different customs that are expressions of joy and hope after a long winter.The first Monday of May is a bank holiday in the United Kingdom. It called May Day in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is known as the Early May Bank Holiday in Scotland. In more recent times, it has been as a day to campaign for and celebrate workers' rights.

Spring Bank Holiday

The spring bank holiday, also known as the late May bank holiday, is a time for people in the United Kingdom to have a day off work or school. It falls on the last Monday of May.The name Bank Holiday comes from the time when banks were shut and so no trading could take place. This is one of the best bank holidays for relaxing, especially if it falls Monday as many people can enjoy a long weekend.

Summer Bank Holiday

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the summer bank holiday is on the last Monday of August. In Scotland it is on the first Monday of August. This day marks the end of the summer holidays for many people who return to work or school in the autumn. For many people, the summer bank holiday marks the end of the summer.In London the Notting Hill Carnival is held. This street festival is best known for its exuberant costumes, dancing and music played by steel drum bands.

Christmas Day

The UK, Christmas celebrations include the beautiful Christmas music, decorated Christmas Trees and hang up evergreen branches.Most people are on holiday in the UK and stay at home with their family on Christmas day.The English gift giver is called Father Christmas and he wears a long red or green robe, and leaves presents in stockings on Christmas Eve. However, the gifts are not usually opened until the following afternoon.

Boxing Day

In Britain, Boxing Day is usually celebrated on the following day after Christmas Day, which is 26 December.Boxing Day was a day off for servants and when they received a 'Christmas Box' from the master. The servants would also go home to give 'Christmas Boxes' to their families. Boxing Day is a time to spend with family or friends, usually those not seen on Christmas Day itself. Boxing Day is also an important day for sports events.

Bank Holiday

British bank holidays are public holidays.The name Bank Holiday comes from the time when banks were shut and so no trading could take place. There is currently a total of 8 permanent bank and public holidays in England, Wales and Scotland and 10 in Northern Ireland.Most of the population get a day off work, but there is no legal right to not work these days.